Business Support Officer

Posted 01 December 2025
Salary 26.77
LocationLambeth SE1 United Kingdom
Job type Full time
Sector Administration / Clerical
ReferenceRQ1654726

Job description

4 Month Contract With A Local Authority


Role Purpose

To provide high-quality administrative and operational support to the Housing and Temporary Accommodation Service, ensuring efficient case management, accurate data recording, effective communication, and compliance with statutory duties. The postholder will play a key role in supporting homeless households, managing temporary accommodation processes, and maintaining essential housing records.



Key Responsibilities

  • Provide day-to-day administrative support across the Housing and Temporary Accommodation Service.

  • Manage and update housing case files, databases, and records accurately and in a timely manner.

  • Prepare letters, tenancy documents, appointment notifications, and statutory communications.

  • Handle inbound enquiries (phone, email, in-person) from residents, partner agencies, landlords, and internal departments.

  • Support the allocation and booking of temporary accommodation placements.

  • Maintain accurate records of TA occupancy, voids, moves, and household changes.

  • Liaise with accommodation providers, landlords, and housing officers to coordinate property inspections, repairs, and tenancy issues.

  • Process invoices, monitor rent/charges, and ensure financial information is recorded correctly.

  • Assist in managing health and safety compliance checks and documentation for TA properties.

  • Provide professional, sensitive, and accurate information to service users, often including households experiencing homelessness or crisis.

  • Signpost clients to appropriate teams or agencies where required.

  • Support the management of emergency placements and out-of-hours queries (where applicable).

  • Work effectively with internal departments (e.g., Repairs, Finance, Revenues & Benefits, Safeguarding).

  • Ensure all data is updated in accordance with local authority reporting requirements.

  • Support the preparation of performance reports, statistics, and monitoring returns.

  • Maintain confidential records in line with GDPR and safeguarding protocols.

  • Contribute to service improvements, policy updates, and best-practice initiatives.


Requirements

  • Proven experience working within a Local Authority environment.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of Temporary Accommodation processes, responsibilities, and statutory requirements.

  • Experience supporting Housing, Homelessness, or related public sector services.

  • Strong administrative skills with accuracy and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to support vulnerable clients.

  • Competent IT skills including MS Office and housing management systems.

  • Knowledge of GDPR, safeguarding, and confidentiality requirements.

  • Experience working with housing management or homelessness casework software (e.g., Locata, Jigsaw, Northgate, Orchard).

  • Understanding of Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) duties.

  • Knowledge of rent and charges processes for TA.

  • Experience working with private landlords and accommodation providers.